The 2 dimensional cat living in a 3 dimensional world.

Menu

Cats like Water… wait, whaaaaat?

The idea that felines are not water friendly is another one of those mistaken myths like “Black Cats mean Bad Luck” and “Cats are Domesticated”. It is simply not true. The origin of why we don’t march joyfully into the tub every time you humans decide is “bath time for kitty” has some deep roots and a little history.

Cat chillin’ on a boat. How do you think we got to the New World?

A long time ago, in a world filled with sand… there lived felines that enjoyed their desert-y existence with very little water. Egyptian cats bathed using their tongues – as it should be – to keep that shiny coat free of any debris. No faucet to open and scare the 9 lives out of them. We were treated like gods and there were no complaints about it.

Time kept moving along and not too long after humans started using rivers and oceans to move around. Big vessels filled with goodies and rodents. Man needed help, so what does he do? Bring in the cats of course! And there, in uncharted territories, we did the deed, losing our fear of water in the process. Some breeds like the Maine Coon and the Abyssinians got so used to it that they still go for a swim when they get the chance.

So as you can see the dislike was more a “fear of the unknown” and now it is not a big deal… or is it?

Reasons why felines are not friends with H2O

A few drops on us may feel refreshing, but a full dunk in the bucket will make our coats very heavy thus losing our famous balance, making it very difficult to escape like we do.

We are cool, but hate feeling cold; so being drenched in water drops our temperature turning us – for a little while – into shaky, depressing creatures.

Now having said all that, you know that cats love to keep you guessing; which is why I’m giving you a list of moments when jumping in the water is total-feline-fun!

It’s just too hot and even cats need a little reprieve. Avoid throwing us in the pool at all costs! Let kitty go at his own pace.

Ever seen a cat swimming in the river? I sure have. Some feral learn that the best way to catch dinner is to fish it themselves. Tonight’s special: Tuna melt.

There are cats, like my friend Mario, that enjoy sitting outside the shower while his human is using it. NO crazy thoughts here! Cats don’t care about your nakedness. The splashing drops cool down his system.
Speaking of dripping water, same goes for all those kitties that love drinking from an open faucet. Don’t deny them the pleasure.

Because while jumping in the river is not for every feline, having some fresh, clean water available for drinking 24/7 is a must!